[Diesel954]

I have received a request for a ride review from Dux on the FJR.
First lets put the rumors about the heat issue aside. There is no more heat from this bike than any other sport bike. I think the guys that are complaining about the heat are converts from cruisers. I ride about every day in whatever weather, heat, etc and I have no complaints. In fact my old 954 got hotter than the FJR does.
The handling was not that great direct from the dealership but after getting some miles on it to break everything in I got to set up the suspension. Adjustments are super easy. Everything is easy to reach and manipulate. There is a lever on the left side that is specifically for two-up riding. There is a soft and hard setting. Soft for pilot only and hard for two-up. Its as simple as moving the lever one way or the other while on the center stand. I had a problem with dragging the pegs until I found an article in a bike magazine with baseline adjustments. I tried those settings and changed them ever so slightly to find my sweet spot.
The wife loves the FJR seat which is a major improvement over the CBR1000RR I had before it. The seat is firm but still has a little give to it. The passenger seat is plenty wide enough for all day comfort.
Riding position is a little forward with slight weight on the wrists. Its not uncomfortable at all, just not upright enough to make you fall asleep. The bars are just about right for me. Some people get risers for the bars but I'm 6'01" and they are tall enough stock. Ive also never experienced hand numbness like I did on the CBRs.
The windscreen is adjustable a couple inches up and down via a switch next to the light switch. There is a little buffeting at the full up position but its not bad. An aftermarket screen will more than likely fix the problem. Not bad enough for me.
The saddlebags are awesome. They come off in less than 10 seconds easily and come with liners that have carry straps. The bike comes with color matched inserts for the openings that are left when the saddlebags are removed. That way you cant tell the bags were ever there. The bike looks just like a large sportbike without the bags. It doesnt look unnatural at all. I havent seen mine without them because the bags are so useful. Havent experienced any wind buffeting because of the bags either.
The bike is shaft drive and is very smooth. I have heard of the STs and BMWs having "shaft jack". No such bucking or unsettling at all.
The shift from 1st to 2nd is a little clunky but is getting better. All the other gears are very smooth. I wish it had a sixth gear but its not a big deal. I dont remember for sure but I think it pulls about 4 grand at about 70 mph. Redline is 9500 or so. Never really get that high since the power comes on real quick and is spread out over a wide rpm range.
This bike is big and a little heavy but still hustles along. I saw an indicated 145 two up on a closed, isolated course. That was with the screen all the way up and loaded bags.
My bike is an ABS model. It works well without affecting the feel of the lever at all. Ive tried to make it slide in the wet but the ABS pulses very predictably.
I really cant find a significant flaw in this bike. It does everything I need it to do and does it all very well. Handles well, holds its line well, stops good (could use braided lines but cost is over $250), hauls 2 people easily, still fast enough to get your blood pumping, and gets 40+ mpg.
It was a toss-up between the FZ1 and this but the shaft drive and hard bags won that decision.
I would call this the do-everything bike.
If I have left out any category or specific topic just reply and I will do my best to address it. Can post pics of anything as well.

[DUX]

Originally Posted by Diesel954

I have received a request for a ride review from Dux on the FJR.

Great review. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Diesel954

I would call this the do-everything bike.

I've been looking at this bike since people were screaming for it to be released in the States. It seems like almost the perfect blend of everything I want a bike to be able to do:

- Sporty enough to be fun in the twists (hoping to keep the RC anyway)
- Good for all-day riding, including highway
- Two-up comfort
- Heated bits for winter riding
- Weather protection for wet riding
- Bags
- Reliability and bang for the buck

It's coming down to this bike or a GS however, the GS loses out on PRICE , weather protection, and seemingly more and more on reliablility. Overall I LOVE the adventure idea of the GS, but rides through the Grand Canyon or across the Road of Bones are going to be very few and far-between. Now if someone one this board (I won't name names) would be willing to sell their 1150GS for a steal, that would be a different story.


How is the suspension (especially two-up) on rough paved roads with bumps, frost heaves, etc...? Does it do a decent job of damping, or do they jolt the bike?

It's certainly not designed for it, but how comfortable would you be taking it down hard-packed dirt or rock roads? I've reluctantly followed my father-in-law and ridden my VTX on a few, but couldn't stand beating up the bike on washboard surfaces and throwing rocks up into the chrome. Thanks again for the review!

[G-Force Junkie]

I doubt you'll ever come across a stationwagon full of llamas on a FJR... You can buy 1150's all day long for less than you paid for your VTX so stop with the "espensive BMW" BS. I paid less than $9k for mine.

[DUX]

Originally Posted by G-Force Junkie

I doubt you'll ever come across a stationwagon full of llamas on a FJR... You can buy 1150's all day long for less than you paid for your VTX so stop with the "espensive BMW" BS. I paid less than $9k for mine.

Find me one please.

They're just too hot right now, probably thanks to the DVD. Even the "slightly used" models with 20-50k miles on them are going for $10,000 or more!

Besides...If I ever pass a station wagon full of llamas, I know that I've made a really bad wrong turn somewhere.

[G-Force Junkie]

I just saw one sell 2 days ago on advrider for 8.5, theres a '95 on there for $4.2 Maybe the east coast is different, but 1150's are for sale around here sub-$9k often.

[DUX]

Originally Posted by G-Force Junkie

I just saw one sell 2 days ago on advrider for 8.5, theres a '95 on there for $4.2 Maybe the east coast is different, but 1150's are for sale around here sub-$9k often.

I'll keep an eye out. You know it's all b/c I'm just jealous of you.

[G-Force Junkie]

Originally Posted by DUX

I'll keep an eye out. You know it's all b/c I'm just jealous of you.

Theres an '02 for $7.7k posted there today.

[TAZ]

Originally Posted by DUX

I've been looking at this bike since people were screaming for it to be released in the States. It seems like almost the perfect blend of everything I want a bike to be able to do:

- Sporty enough to be fun in the twists (hoping to keep the RC anyway)...

Say, man. I live about 25 miles north of you, and I've ridden in and around Dover. I don't know all the roads, but it seems to me you have to work pretty hard to find twisties down there!

Where DO you ride, anyway?

I've got my bro's '05 Gix6 this week...wanna ride Route 9?

[oldgoat]

I had 2005 FJR that lasted 3 months before i traded it, couldn't stand the heat. The frame got so hot you could barely touch it and i did all the supposed heat fixes.
Know 2 other guys that had the same issues and they also traded them in . Its to bad because everthing else about the bike was good, not great. Reason why I say good is its hard to get on a bike that weighs alot more, less power, and not the best brakes. Thats only because i was use to a sportsbike. This bike would be great if never went over 65 degrees. my 2 cents

[Diesel954]

The frame on my 954 got hotter than my FJR. My 1000RR did too. Ive ridden all sorts of sportbikes and there is really no way to get even 75% out of one on the street. I'd much rather have a heavier, more comfortable bike for the street and take the smaller, lighter bikes to the track. Its 100 degrees here in Oklahoma all week, mid 90s all last week. Not gonna slow me down or stop me from riding. Most of my riding is in town and trips of less than 200 miles. Its summer time, things are gonna get hot.

[DUX]

Originally Posted by TAZ

Say, man. I live about 25 miles north of you, and I've ridden in and around Dover. I don't know all the roads, but it seems to me you have to work pretty hard to find twisties down there!

Where DO you ride, anyway?

I've got my bro's '05 Gix6 this week...wanna ride Route 9?

There are some good roads west of Dover, you just have to know where to find them. Unfortunately the squids are finding them too and one killed himself by testing the structural rigidity of a car last week. Fortunately someone had a security camera on their house to keep watch for a stalking "ex" and the whole thing was caught on tape. I've heard, but haven't confirmed that there was also a second rider (a police fficer ) that left the scene.

I won't be able to ride for a few days, but if we're getting people together I'll throw you a PM.

[Frog4aday]

Nice review of the FJR. Right on target as well. I just got an '06 model. Heat is not an issue at all. My 929 was warmer (and it wasn't an issue w/it either). Yamaha has fixed the complaints, made ABS standard, and the only 'glitch' I could expose on the '06 model is that the windscreen, even in the lowest position, allows too much wind noise around the helmet (and I'm 6' 2"). I ordered a screen three inches SHORTER and that should fix that.

The biggest "downer" w/the FJR when compared to the CBR929 is the excess weight. God, do you feel it. Other than that, the FJR is a fine ride. Comfortable, fast, and handles surprisingly well for a 'fat bike'.
Michael

[Diesel954]

Me and a buddy might be planning a trip to Colorado this Thursday. Any good routes we could take? We will be coming from the southeast (Oklahoma).

[Frog4aday]

Originally Posted by Diesel954

Me and a buddy might be planning a trip to Colorado this Thursday. Any good routes we could take? We will be coming from the southeast (Oklahoma).

-----------------
Well, honestly, eastern CO is not much to look at or ride across. Once you get west of I-25 though, there are LOTS of great roads.

Knowing what part of OK you'll be coming from would help me as there are some great roads in N. NM and then into S. CO you could take once you crossed the vast nothingness to get there.

Are you more interested it roads to ride once you get to CO? Or are you looking for the most entertaining route from OK to CO? (Where are you going to in CO...that would help me help you, too.)
Michael

[Diesel954]

Coming from OKC. My buddy is going to Las Vegas after riding through CO to meet his wife at some conference.

[Frog4aday]

Originally Posted by Diesel954

Coming from OKC. My buddy is going to Las Vegas after riding through CO to meet his wife at some conference.

OKC...gotcha. I used to live in Wichita Falls, TX, right on the TX/OK border. I've ridden the Colorado route many times from that area. I took Hwy 287 north to Amarillo, then angled up toward Raton.

If you don't mind avoiding the "straight-line" route to CO, I'd recommend heading due west and going into northern NM then heading north into CO from there. You'll get to the good roads faster that way and N. NM has some great riding that will lead you to CO for more great riding.

With that in mind, perhaps I-40 to Elk City, then Hwy 6 (which becomes Hwy 152) into Dumas, TX. Then take Hwy 87 NW to Clayton, NM. At Clayton, take Hwy 412 west to Springer, NM. This is OPEN road. Test your high-speed capabilities here just for giggles 'cause there's nothing else to do! But past Springer, things finally get GOOD.

At Springer, head north on I-25 for 6.4 miles then take Hwy 58 west. Follow the signs to Cimmaron, NM which will get you on Hwy 64. This goes to Eagles Nest, NM. This is a fun road. Then take 38 north to Questa then Hwy 152 south toward Taos, or just take 64 west to Taos. Either road is good. From Taos, you want Hwy 64 west to Tres Piedras.

At Tres Piedras, NM, continue on Hwy 64 toward Tierra Amarilla, NM. This road is AWESOME. Then take Hwy 64 north to Chama, NM. Now take Hwy 84 NW toward Pagosa Springs, CO. At Pagosa Springs, CO, go n. on Hwy 160 to South Fork, CO (this is a good road). Then take Hwy 149 to Creede, Lake City, and on up to Hwy 50. This is a GREAT road (watch for cops in Lake City).

If you go east, you go to Gunnison, CO. Get some lunch, stay the night, or whatever. If you go west on Hwy 50 (fun road), then I recommend taking Hwy 92, which is 2.4 miles west of Sapinero, CO.

Hwy 92 is a blast, at least up to Crawford, CO. Then it gets straight again. At this point, you have to ask yourself how far north you want to go. If you really want to explore, stay on Hwy 92 to Hotchkiss, CO then get on Hwy 133 north to Carbondale, CO. If you want to stay south to aide your buddy moving on to NV, you could turn around and do the fun part of Hwy 92 again to Hwy 50 or you could loop around north via Hotchkiss, then 133 west to Delta, and then Hwy 50 south to Montrose.

Roads to hit up north:
- Hwy 82 from Carbondale to Balltown, CO
- Hwy 24 from Leadville to Minturn, CO
- Hwy 131 from Carterville to Toponas, CO; then take Hwy 134 to Kremmling
- Since you're in Kremmling, you might as well take Hwy 40 east to Granby, then Hwy 34 into and thru Rocky Mtn Natl Park.
- From Estes Park, take Hwy 7 (then Hwy 72) south through Ward, Nederland, and Blackhawk, CO. This is called the Peak-to-Peak Hwy.

If you stay south, hit these roads:
- From Montrose, take Hwy 550 south to Durango.
- From Durango, take Hwy 160 west to Cortez. Might as well check out Mesa Verde Natl Park along the way
- From Cortez, take Hwy 145 north to Dolores and then keep on Hwy 145 up to Placerville, CO. (I love this bit of road!) At Placerville go east on Hwy 62 till it hits Hwy 550 again, then go south again OR...
- Take 145 west from Placerville to Vancorum and then get on Hwy 141 north to Whitewater and Grand Junction.

There are so many great roads. I'm sure others will chip in with their favorites. But I really love CO and northern NM and feel that if you look at a map and the road looks squiggly, you'll probably have a lot of fun on it.

Let me know how your trip goes!
Michael in Monument, CO